ALBANY – Jeff Ruland has been down this road before. Two years ago, the Iona coach had a talented team fractured by immaturity and infighting. That team was sabotaged by bad attitudes and poor chemistry.

But unlike 2002, when his two-time defending MAAC tourney champs collapsed into a 13-17 disappointment, these Gaels have shown resiliency. They’ve overcome their distractions to win four straight and reach last night’s MAAC quarterfinals at Pepsi Arena.

“I told these guys numerous times I’m disappointed in this year,” Ruland said frankly. “When you step on the court, you’ve got to be responsible. “No matter what’s bothering you that day – personal problems, schoolwork, or you’re not in love with your teammate – it doesn’t stop you from playing ‘D.’ I’ll be disappointed about this year, but we’ve got a chance to make amends.”

They started with Friday’s 68-66 win over Canisius, showing they’re on the way to redemption that 2002 team never got.

“I was very down [in 2002]. We had couple of guys that were real nitwits,” Ruland said. “I’ve been down about some of the stuff this year, but I love all these kids. A couple years ago there was two, three guys I could stomach being around. That’s not the case this year. We’ve forged ahead. Our future’s very bright.”

Earlier this season, Ruland couldn’t say the same. Not after losing two different captains, and having school president James Liguori openly talk about his disappointment in the team back in January. Not after forward Steve Smith was ruled ineligible for the last 11 games, and guard DeShaun Williams – who was dismissed from Syracuse after being convicted of driving while impaired and charged with and cleared of assaulting a girl in a bar – became an unwanted distraction.

Even Canisius coach Mike MacDonald acknowledged “They’re so much better without [Williams]. They share the ball. I think he hurt them defensively.”